SUBARU IMPREZA WRX 2002 2.G Owners Manual

Maintenance and service
11-44
Wheel replacement
When replacing wheels due, for example, to dam-
age, make sure the replacement wheels match the
specifications of the wheels that are fitted as stan-
dard equipment. Replacement wheels are available
from SUBARU dealers.
WARNING
Use only those wheels that are specified for your vehicle. Wheels not meeting specifica-tions could interfere with brake caliper opera-tion and may cause the tires to rub against the wheel well housing during turns. The resulting loss of vehicle control could lead to an acci-dent.
Wheel covers
Removing the wheel cover
HGA012BA
Insert the wheel cover remover into the notch pro-
vided, and pry the wheel cover off.

Maintenance and service
11-45
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Installing the wheel cover
HGA013BA
Align the valve with the valve hole in the cover, then fit the cover on the wheel by tapping your hand
evenly around the circumference of the cover. NOTE When any of the wheels is removed and replaced for tire rotation or to change a flat tire, always
check the tightness of the wheel nuts after driv-ing approximately 600 miles (1,000 km). If anynut is loose, tighten it to the specified torque. Aluminum wheels (If equipped)
Aluminum wheels can be scratched and damaged
easily. Handle them carefully to maintain their ap-
pearance, performance, and safety.
When any of the wheels is removed and replaced
for tire rotation or to change a flat, always check the
tightness of the wheel nuts after driving approxi-mately 600 miles (1,000 km). If any nut is loose,
tighten it to the specified torque. Never apply oil to the threaded parts, wheel nuts,
or tapered surface of the wheel. Never let the wheel rub against sharp protrusions
or curbs. Be sure to fit tire chains on uniformly and com-
pletely around the tire, otherwise the chains mayscratch the wheel. When wheel nuts, balance weights, or the center
cap replaced, be sure to replace them with genuine
SUBARU parts designed for aluminum wheels.

Maintenance and service
11-46
Windshield washer fluid
CAUTION
Never use engine coolant as washer fluid be-
cause it could cause paint damage.
Check the level of the washer fluid at each fuel stop.
If the level is low, fill the fluid up to the neck of the
reservoir.Use windshield washer fluid. If windshield washer
fluid is unavailable use clean water.
In areas where water freezes in winter, use an anti-
freeze type windshield washer fluid. SUBARU Wind-
shield Washer Fluid contains 58.5% methyl alcohol
and 41.5% surfactant, by volume. Its freezing tem-
perature varies according to how much it is diluted,
as indicated below.
Washer Fluid
Concentration
Freezing
Temperature
30% 50%
100%10.4 °F ( –12 °C)
–4 °F ( –20 °C)
–49 °F ( –45 °C)
HGB001IA

Maintenance and service
11-47
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Replacement of windshield wiper blades
Grease, wax, insects, or other material on the wind-
shield or the wiper blade results in jerky wiper
operation and streaking on the glass. If you cannot
remove the streaks after operating the windshield
washer or if the wiper operation is jerky, clean the
outer surface of the windshield (or rear window) andthe wiper blades using a sponge or soft cloth with a
neutral detergent or mild-abrasive cleaner. After
cleaning, rinse the windshield and wiper blades with
clean water. The windshield is clean if beads do not
form when you rinse the windshield with water.
CAUTION
Do not clean the wiper blades with gasoline or a solvent, such as paint thinner or benzene. This will cause deterioration of the wiperblades.
If you cannot eliminate the streaking even after fol-
lowing this method, replace the wiper blades using
the following procedures:
1. Raise the wiper arm off the windshield.
HS0190
1) Stopper
2. Remove the wiper blade assembly by holding its
pivot area and pushing it in the direction shown by
the arrow while depressing the wiper blade stopper.

Maintenance and service
11-48
HS0191
1) Metal support
3. Grasp the locked end of the blade rubber as-
sembly and pull it firmly until the stoppers on the
rubber are free of the metal support.
HS0192
1) Metal spines
4. If the new blade rubber is not provided with two
metal spines, remove the metal spines from the old blade rubber and install them in the new blade rub-
ber.

Maintenance and service
11-49
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HS0193
5. Align the claws of the metal support with the
grooves in the rubber and slide the blade rubber as-
sembly into the metal support until it locks.
HS0194
1) Stopper
Be sure to position the claws at the end of the metal
support between the stoppers on the rubber as
shown. If the rubber is not retained properly, the wiper blade may scratch the windshield.
6. Install the wiper blade assembly to the wiper
arm. Make sure that it locks in place.
7. Lower the wiper arm.

Maintenance and service
11-50
Battery
WARNING
Before beginning work on or near any bat-
tery, be sure to extinguish all cigarettes,
matches, and lighters. Never expose a batteryto an open flame or electric sparks. Batteriesgive off a gas which is highly flammable andexplosive. For safety, in case an explosion does occur,
wear eye protection or shield your eyes when
working near any battery. Never lean over a
battery. Do not let battery fluid contact eyes, skin,
fabrics, or paint because battery fluid is a cor- rosive acid. If battery fluid gets on your skin or in your eyes, immediately flush the area
with water thoroughly. Seek medical help im-
mediately if acid has entered the eyes.If battery fluid is accidentally swallowed,
immediately drink a large amount of milk or
water, and seek medical attention immediately. To lessen the risk of sparks, remove rings,
metal watchbands, and other metal jewelry.
Never allow metal tools to contact the positive because a short circuit will result.
Keep everyone including children away
from the battery. Charge the battery in a well-ventilated area.
Battery posts, terminals and related acces-
sories contain lead and lead compounds,
chemicals known to the State of California to
cause cancer and reproductive harm.
Wash
hands after handling.
CAUTION
Never use more than 10 amperes when charg- ing the battery because it will shorten batterylife.

Maintenance and service
11-51
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OM-H1048
1) Cap
2) Upper level 3) Lower level
It is unnecessary to periodically check the battery
fluid level or periodically refill with distilled water.
However, if the battery fluid level is below the lower
level, remove the cap. Fill to the upper level with dis-
tilled water. Fuses
CAUTION
Never replace a fuse with one having a higher
rating or with material other than a fuse be-
cause serious damage or a fire could result.
The fuses are designed to melt during an overload
to prevent damage to the wiring harness and electri-
cal equipment. The fuses are located in two fuseboxes.
HGB006BA
The one is located under the instrument panel be- hind the fuse box cover on the driver ’s seat side.

Maintenance and service
11-52
HB8003CA
The other one is housed in the engine compartment.
HS0208
1) Fuse puller 2) Spare fuse
The fuse puller and spare fuses are stored in the main fuse box cover in the engine compartment.
If any lights, accessories or other electrical controls
do not operate, inspect the corresponding fuse. If a
fuse has blown, replace it.
HS0204
A) Good B) Blown
1. Turn the ignition switch to the “LOCK” position
and turn off all electrical accessories.
2. Remove the cover.
3. Determine which fuse may be blown. The backside of each fuse box cover and the “Fuse and cir-
cuits” section in chapter 12 in this manual show the
circuit for each fuse.

Maintenance and service
11-53
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HS0207
1) Fuse puller
4. Pull out the fuse with the fuse puller.
5. Inspect the fuse. If it has blown, replace it with a
spare fuse of the same rating.
6. If the same fuse blows again, this indicates that
its system has a problem. Contact your SUBARU
dealer for repairs. Main fuseHB8003CA
Main fuse box
The main fuses are designed to melt during an over-
load to prevent damage to the wiring harness and
electrical equipment. Check the main fuses if any
electrical component fails to operate (except the
starter motor) and other fuses are good. A melted
main fuse must be replaced. Use only replacementswith the same specified rating as the melted main
fuse. If a main fuse blows after it is replaced, have
the electrical system checked by your nearest
SUBARU dealer.